Unit 2 - Topic 5 - Parasitism - Section A - Part II - The Parasite Niche Flashcards
What is parasitism
A symbiotic interaction between a parasite and its host (+/-)
What does a parasite gain from parastism
Benefit in terms of nutrients at the expense of its host
How is parasitism different to a predator-prey relationship
The reproductive potential of the parasite is
greater than that of the host
What type of niche and host to parasites have
Narrow (specialised) niche as they are very host-specific
Why are many parasites degenerate and what is meant by this
As the host provides so many of the parasite’s needs, many parasites are degenerate, lacking structures and organs found in other organisms
Where do ectoparasites and endoparasites live
An ectoparasite lives on the surface of its host, whereas an endoparasite lives within the tissues of its host
